WEEKEND ROAD TRIPS:
WEEKEND IN THE TRIANGLE
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| North Carolina Botanical Gardens at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
BREAKFAST: Start the morning right in Chapel Hill at Mama Dip’s (www.mamadips.com), where Mildred “Mama Dip” Council serves the country food she grew up eating—southern-style meats and eggs, homemade biscuits, and more.
9 A.M.: The Carrboro Farmers’ Market (www.carrborofarmersmarket.com) is rightfully famous as one of the top farmers markets in the region. It’s open year-round, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays ( 7 a.m. openings spring-fall), as well as Wednesday afternoons seasonally.
10 A.M.: Depending on your interests (art or plants), head to Ackland Art Museum (www.ackland.org) on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill or nearby N.C. Botanical Garden (www.ncbg.unc.edu), including the UNC Herbarium.
LUNCH: Weathervane Restaurant (www.southernseason.com) is at famed Southern Season (keep reading) in University Mall and features creative contemporary takes on Southern fare.
Originally published in The Charlotte Observer
1 P.M.: No visit to Chapel Hill is complete without visiting Southern Season (www.southernseason.com), a sprawling “foodie” emporium packed with gourmet foods, wine, cookware and much more.
3 P.M.: Head over to Durham for a visit to Duke University’s Nasher Museum of Art (www.nasher.duke.edu). The museum is dedicated to an innovative approach to art, and it presents collections, exhibitions, publications and programs.
DINNER: Mateo bar de Tapas ( www.mateotapas.com) features traditional tapas and one of the largest sherry menus in the nation. Those with beer on the brain shouldn’t miss Fullsteam Brewery ( www.fullsteam.ag), which is typically hopping until late.
BREAKFAST: It’s all-Raleigh today. Filled with farm implements and political memorabilia, Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant ( www.citymarketraleigh.com) is legendary for huge Southern breakfasts. Established in 1914, Raleigh’s downtown City Market features more dining, plus lots of shopping options.
10 A.M.: The one-hour “Segway Experience Tour” through Triangle Glides (www.triangleglides.com) is a great way to explore downtown Raleigh, including the State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion and more. They also offer other longer tours that include more stops.
11:30 A.M.: The Marbles Kids Museum ( www.marbleskidsmuseum.org) focuses on having fun while learning, while the adjacent Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre ( www.imaxraleigh.org) features a 3D-capable giant screen, with films ranging from nature and science programs to select Hollywood blockbusters.
LUNCH: Beasley’s Chicken + Honey ( www.ac-restaurants.com) features Southern-inspired fare from acclaimed chef Ashley Christensen, who also has several other Raleigh-area hotspots for creative food and drink (Poole’s, Chuck’s and Fox Liquor Bar).
1:30 P.M.: The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences ( www.naturalsciences.org) features the natural wonders of the state above and below the surface (think plants and animals and fossils), as well as the new Nature Research Center wing and its three-story multi-media globe.
3 P.M.: Boasting 28 Rodin sculptures and much more, the North Carolina Museum of Art (www.ncartmuseum.org) is nestled in the country’s largest art park.
DINNER: Zely & Ritz ( www.zelyandritz.com) is known for using lots of organic ingredients from a variety of local farms.
WRAP UP: The pedal-powered Trolley Pub ( www.trolleypub.com) is a great way to check out Raleigh’s thriving craft-brewery scene.